GERMANY · MAINZ
European Management School
private · Founded 2002 · Languages: de, en
In short
European Management School (EMS) in Mainz, Germany, is a private, FIBAA-accredited business school offering bachelor's and master's programs with a strong emphasis on multilingualism and international experience. It provides personalized learning in small cohorts, with tuition fees around EUR 7,500–12,000 annually for international students.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 2002
- Students
- 233
- International students
- 150
- Acceptance rate
- 60%
- Tuition (intl)
- €8–12k/yr
- Languages
- DE, EN
- Location
- Mainz, Germany
European Management School (EMS) is a private, FIBAA-accredited business school in Mainz, Germany, founded in 2002. It offers bachelor's and master's programmes in management with a distinctive multilingual focus — students are required to master at least two business languages in addition to English. Mandatory international semesters ensure graduates are prepared for global careers. Small cohort sizes foster close academic mentoring and a personalised learning environment.
Why study here
- Mandatory international semester abroad builds genuine global business experience.
- Multilingual curriculum: students graduate with proficiency in at least two business languages.
- FIBAA-accredited degrees recognised across Europe and internationally.
- Small class sizes ensure individualised attention and strong faculty-student relationships.
- Located near Frankfurt, Europe's financial capital, for internships and career networking.
Student life
EMS Mainz offers a close-knit international student community. The school's location in Mainz provides access to a lively university city with a rich cultural scene, Christmas markets, and vibrant nightlife. Students benefit from easy rail access to Frankfurt for additional cultural and professional activities. The school organises company visits, guest lectures from industry practitioners, and career events to connect students with the business world.
Fees
InternationalAnnual tuition at EMS Mainz is approximately EUR 7,500–12,000 depending on the programme level. Additional costs apply for the mandatory international semester.
HomeEU/domestic students pay the same programme fees; there is no separate domestic rate.
LivingLiving costs in Mainz are estimated at EUR 800–1,000 per month, covering housing, food, and personal expenses.
Tuition fees are set per programme and may change annually. Students should check the EMS website for the current fee schedule.
Admissions
Bachelor'sGerman Abitur, international Baccalaureate, or equivalent school-leaving qualification with proof of at least B2 level in a second language.
Master'sAccredited bachelor's degree in business, economics, or a related field.
TOEFL80 iBT
IELTS6.0
University scholarships
DeutschlandstipendiumEUR 300/month
EMS Merit ScholarshipPartial tuition waiver
Accreditation
FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation); state-recognised by Rhineland-Palatinate.
For international students
GermanyStudent visa & funds
Non-EU/EEA students must obtain a national student visa (Type D) before arrival and then convert it to a student residence permit at the local Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde). To prove financial self-sufficiency, most applicants open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) holding €11,904 — €992 per month for twelve months — an amount in effect since 2024 and unchanged for 2026. The blocked account caps monthly withdrawals at €992 so the funds last the year.
Working while you study
Non-EU international students may work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per calendar year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency — an allowance raised from the previous 120/240-day limit under the 2024 skilled-immigration reform. A shift of more than four hours counts as a full day. Student-assistant roles at the university (Hiwi positions) generally fall outside this cap, and hours during semester breaks count toward the same annual allowance.
After you graduate
After completing a degree at a German university, non-EU graduates are entitled to an 18-month residence permit to seek work under the Residence Act, during which any employment is allowed. Separately, the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), introduced in June 2024, lets qualifying non-EU nationals enter to look for work for up to a year using a points system, with limited part-time work permitted. Recent German graduates qualify for the 18-month post-study permit directly, without the points test.
English tests
- IELTS6.0–6.5 for English-taught bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s
- TOEFL iBT80–90 for most programs; competitive universities (e.g. TUM) 88–95
- German (TestDaF/DSH)German-taught programs require TestDaF level 4 (TDN 4) or DSH-2
Main intakes
OctoberApril
Typical living cost
€1,050/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Scholarships
for Germany
full fundingThe Software Lab (CISPA & University of Stuttgart)
CISPA & University of Stuttgart Software Lab PhD Scholarships
Open to applicants who hold or expect a Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field, with strong coding skills, an interest in large-scale software projects and the ability to write and present in English (no German required). Candidates should be passionate about high-quality academic research, willing to mentor undergraduate students, and have a long-term vision and persistence for deep research. Positions are filled on a rolling basis as suitable candidates are identified.
full
Funding
€60k
Max
Dec 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingMunich School for Data Science (MUDS)
Munich School for Data Science (MUDS) PhD Scholarships
Open to international students of all nationalities with a strong academic background in computer science, data science, or a related field, or a degree in a domain science (such as life sciences, medicine, health, earth observation, or robotics) or interdisciplinary fields (such as geoinformatics or bioinformatics) with a strong data science emphasis. Applicants need a passion for applying state-of-the-art data science techniques to real-world scientific challenges. Selection is based on academic record, research potential, and motivation.
full
Funding
€55k
Max
May 6, 2027
Deadline
full fundingHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Hydrogen Technology
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon PhD Position in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering
Open to applicants who hold a Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with strong knowledge of metallurgy, slip/twinning mechanisms and the mechanical behaviour of metals. Experience with magnesium (Mg) alloys, micro-compression or SEM techniques is an advantage. Candidates need strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary, international environment. The post is a salaried PhD position open to international applicants.
full
Funding
€55k
Max
May 11, 2027
Deadline
full fundingLeibniz University Hannover
Leibniz University Hannover Soil Science PhD Scholarship
Open to applicants of all nationalities who hold a Master's degree in soil science, geosciences, environmental sciences or a closely related field, are proficient in written and spoken English, and are physically fit for extended fieldwork in tropical regions (Ghana and India). Experience with soil analysis, spectral tools and drone operations is an advantage but not mandatory.
full
Funding
€45k
Max
13d left
Deadline
full fundingForschungszentrum Julich
Forschungszentrum Julich Funded PhD Positions
Open to international applicants who hold a master's degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related field with strong academic performance, with experience in electrochemical modelling and simulation, knowledge of PEM and AEM electrolyser technology, skills in automation and data analysis (Python, LabVIEW), and proficiency in German and English.
full
Funding
€42k
Max
Dec 31, 2026
Deadline
full fundingAlexander von Humboldt Foundation
Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowships (for Postdoctoral and Experienced Researchers)
For researchers from abroad — postdoctoral (normally within 4 years of a PhD) or experienced (within 12 years of a PhD) — to carry out a long-term research stay in Germany with a host of their choice. Selection is on academic record and research potential; applications can be submitted at any time.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at European Management School (EMS)?
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Annual tuition fees at EMS Mainz range approximately from EUR 7,500 to EUR 12,000, varying by program level. Additional costs are incurred for the mandatory international semester. It's advised to check the EMS website for the most current fee schedule as fees can change annually.
What are the living costs in Mainz for students?
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Estimated monthly living costs in Mainz are between EUR 800 and EUR 1,000. This estimate covers essential expenses such as housing, food, and personal needs.
What makes the curriculum at EMS unique?
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EMS features a distinctive multilingual curriculum, requiring students to achieve proficiency in at least two business languages in addition to English. This focus, combined with mandatory international semesters, prepares graduates for global business environments.
What are the English language requirements for international applicants?
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International applicants typically need to provide proof of English proficiency through tests like TOEFL with a score of 80 iBT or IELTS with a score of 6.0.
Does EMS offer any scholarships for international students?
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Yes, EMS offers scholarships such as the Deutschlandstipendium, providing EUR 300 per month, and the EMS Merit Scholarship, which offers a partial tuition waiver.
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